Costa Rica’s Ministry of Culture Unveils Bold Strategy to Boost Reading and Revitalize Libraries
“Book, Reading, and Libraries Strategy”
On December 5, 2024, Costa Rica’s Ministry of Culture and Youth (MCJ) launched an ambitious library initiative aimed at transforming the way the country engages with literature, libraries, and reading. The new “Book, Reading, and Libraries Strategy” seeks to not only make books more accessible but to spark a nationwide literary movement by fostering a deeper love for reading and revitalizing the role of libraries in Costa Rican communities. In a moment that promises to reshape the nation’s cultural landscape, the launch marks a pivotal moment in the MCJ’s long-term commitment to nurturing the country’s literary growth and creative economy.
A Vision for Inclusive Literary Growth
The strategy is anchored in a clear and compelling vision: create inclusive spaces where literature thrives, foster a culture of reading across generations, and provide better access to books and literary resources, especially in underserved areas. At the heart of this vision is the commitment to strengthening the National Library System, while also tackling broader cultural goals such as boosting the economy of the creative sector.
“The book is more than an object; it’s a doorway to endless possibilities,” explained Jorge Rodríguez Vives, Costa Rica’s Minister of Culture and Youth, during the strategy’s launch event. His words set the stage for a comprehensive effort to turn Costa Rica into a literary hub, where readers, writers, and creatives are empowered to explore, create, and share.
Bringing Books to the People
One of the most exciting aspects of the strategy is the introduction of “Reading Points”—community-based initiatives designed to bring books directly to the people. These mobile spaces will be placed in strategic locations across vulnerable populations, ensuring that literature is not only accessible but actively encouraged in areas that need it the most. The government also plans to commemorate national literary holidays to raise awareness of the importance of reading, aligning public celebrations with the joy of literary discovery.
The idea is simple but powerful: the more people engage with literature, the more demand there will be for both books and the knowledge they hold. And with that demand, comes the opportunity for both social and economic growth.
A New Era for Libraries
At the same time, the MCJ is determined to transform libraries from static repositories of knowledge to vibrant community hubs. According to Vera Vargas, the Vice Minister of Culture, the new strategy is designed to respond to both societal demand and the economic importance of books and literature. The strategy is based on a deep analysis of current laws, including the Law for the Promotion of Reading and Libraries, and several key institutional efforts already in place within the Ministry.
The goal? To make libraries more than just places to borrow books. They will become interactive spaces that invite people to participate in literary events, community workshops, and even creative writing projects. Libraries will no longer be places of quiet isolation but dynamic centers where learning, culture, and creativity collide.
A Boost for Costa Rica’s Creative Economy
As part of the strategy, the MCJ is also looking to boost the country’s creative economy by supporting a greater connection between the literary sector and other creative industries, such as film and theater. The National Reading Festival, a flagship event of the MCJ, will play a key role in this effort by highlighting Costa Rica’s rich literary culture and forging new partnerships between writers, filmmakers, and artists.
Furthermore, the strategy aims to introduce new funding mechanisms, such as literary grants and awards, to incentivize the creation of new works and to spotlight emerging voices in the literary world. Notably, Costa Rica will launch its first-ever youth literary contest, designed to unearth fresh talent and inspire the next generation of writers.
The Future of Costa Rican Literature
By bringing together these efforts under one cohesive strategy, the Ministry of Culture and Youth hopes to establish Costa Rica as a true leader in literary culture within Central America. As Rodríguez Vives put it, libraries are not relics of the past—they are dynamic spaces where culture comes to life and where communities can gather, create, and learn.
With a clear focus on education, accessibility, and creativity, Costa Rica’s “Book, Reading, and Libraries Strategy” is a bold step toward a future where literature isn’t just something people read, but something they live and experience—every day.
Latina Republic envisions a world where the beauty and resilience of Latin American and Caribbean cultures are recognized and appreciated globally. By amplifying the voices of artists and cultural custodians, we strive to cultivate a deeper understanding of the region’s challenges and triumphs. Our goal is to inspire greater appreciation for the arts as a tool for empathy, unity, and transformative social change. Through our work, we aim to equip all stakeholders with essential insights for addressing regional challenges, ultimately enriching the global cultural landscape and portraying the victories and hardships of everyday life in Latin America.
